Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of science diplomacy, and for other purposes. | ChamberLight
Bills · HRES 623
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Res.HRES 623International Affairs
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of science diplomacy, and for other purposes.
INTRO AUG 1· LAST ACTION AUG 1
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Non-binding
Commemorative
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This resolution matters because it highlights a growing belief within Congress that scientific and technological understanding needs to be a core part of U.S. foreign policy. If the Secretary of State implements these recommendations, the State Department could become better equipped to tackle complex global issues like climate change, pandemics, or cybersecurity, which often have deep scientific roots. This could lead to more informed international agreements and more effective global problem-solving.
Without this resolution, the State Department might continue its current approach to science and technology integration, potentially missing opportunities for leveraging scientific advancements in diplomacy. While it's not legally binding, it sends a clear signal from the legislative branch about the importance of science diplomacy, which can influence future policy decisions and funding priorities.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Calls on the Secretary of State to establish a Science and Technology Advisory Board made up of independent experts.
This would directly integrate outside scientific and technical expertise into the State Department's foreign policy considerations.
PROVISION 02
Asks the Secretary of State to elevate the organizational status of the Science and Technology Adviser to be equivalent to an Assistant Secretary.
This would increase the influence and prominence of science and technology issues within the State Department's leadership.
PROVISION 03
Urges an evaluation of the technical backgrounds of Foreign Service Officers and recommends increased training and recruitment as needed.
This aims to ensure that U.S. diplomats are better prepared to understand and engage on complex global scientific and technological issues.
PROVISION 04
Calls for the development of science and technology-oriented foresight assessments within the State Department.
This would help the department anticipate future global challenges and opportunities related to advancements in science and technology.
PROVISION 05
Assesses the feasibility of re-creating a Foreign Service Reserve Officer category specifically for experts in Science and Technology.
This could provide a flexible mechanism for the State Department to bring in specialized scientific and technical talent when needed.
This resolution matters because it highlights a growing belief within Congress that scientific and technological understanding needs to be a core part of U.S. foreign policy. If the Secretary of State implements these recommendations, the State Department could become better equipped to tackle complex global issues like climate change, pandemics, or cybersecurity, which often have deep scientific roots. This could lead to more informed international agreements and more effective global problem-solving.
Without this resolution, the State Department might continue its current approach to science and technology integration, potentially missing opportunities for leveraging scientific advancements in diplomacy. While it's not legally binding, it sends a clear signal from the legislative branch about the importance of science diplomacy, which can influence future policy decisions and funding priorities.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Calls on the Secretary of State to establish a Science and Technology Advisory Board made up of independent experts.
This would directly integrate outside scientific and technical expertise into the State Department's foreign policy considerations.
high
Asks the Secretary of State to elevate the organizational status of the Science and Technology Adviser to be equivalent to an Assistant Secretary.
This would increase the influence and prominence of science and technology issues within the State Department's leadership.
med
Urges an evaluation of the technical backgrounds of Foreign Service Officers and recommends increased training and recruitment as needed.
This aims to ensure that U.S. diplomats are better prepared to understand and engage on complex global scientific and technological issues.
med
Calls for the development of science and technology-oriented foresight assessments within the State Department.
This would help the department anticipate future global challenges and opportunities related to advancements in science and technology.
med
Assesses the feasibility of re-creating a Foreign Service Reserve Officer category specifically for experts in Science and Technology.
This could provide a flexible mechanism for the State Department to bring in specialized scientific and technical talent when needed.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Sense of the House Resolution
A formal statement expressing the opinion or sentiment of the House of Representatives on a particular issue, but it does not have the force of law and does not require action by other branches of government.
Science Diplomacy
The use of scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange between countries to address shared global problems, advance national interests, and build constructive international relationships.
Foreign Service Officer
A professional diplomat who represents the U.S. government abroad, working to promote American interests and protect U.S. citizens in foreign countries.
Foresight Assessment
A systematic process of anticipating and exploring potential future developments, especially in fields like science and technology, to help inform current decision-making and planning.
Assistant Secretary
A high-ranking political appointee within a U.S. government department, typically responsible for overseeing a specific bureau or policy area.
Foreign Service Reserve Officer
A type of temporary or limited-term appointment within the U.S. Foreign Service for individuals with specialized skills or expertise needed by the State Department.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
AUG 1, 25
Submitted in House
INTROREFERRAL
AUG 1, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.